The silence around periods

For generations, menstruation has been a natural biological process surrounded by silence, myths, and social stigma. Despite growing conversations around women’s health and increased access to information, recent findings suggest that many women in India continue to face a lack of awareness, inadequate support, and restrictive social practices related to their menstrual cycles. A survey involving more than 1,000 women has revealed that menstrual health remains a topic many families and communities are uncomfortable discussing openly. The findings paint a concerning picture of how young girls are often left unprepared for one of the most significant physical changes in their lives.

A first experience shrouded in confusion

One of the most striking findings is that more than one-third of respondents had little or no knowledge about menstruation before experiencing their first period. Around 35 percent admitted they did not understand what was happening to their bodies when menstruation began. The lack of awareness becomes even more troubling when viewed alongside the physical challenges many girls face. Nearly half of the respondents reported experiencing severe abdominal pain during their first menstrual cycle. For many, the experience was accompanied by fear, confusion, and anxiety due to the absence of prior information or guidance. Health experts have long emphasized that early education about menstruation can help young girls better understand the changes occurring in their bodies and prepare them emotionally and physically for the experience.

Mothers remain the primary source of support

When asked whom they turned to after their first period, an overwhelming majority of women said their mothers were the first people they approached. A smaller percentage sought advice from friends. While this highlights the important role families play in providing emotional support, it also suggests that formal education and public awareness efforts may not be reaching young girls effectively before they experience menstruation.

The persistence of social restrictions

The survey also sheds light on the social challenges that continue to surround menstruation. More than a quarter of respondents reported being isolated during their periods, reflecting the persistence of age-old customs that treat menstruation as something impure or inappropriate. Additionally, nearly one-third of women admitted that they had, at some point, fabricated excuses to avoid telling others they were menstruating. The finding underscores the discomfort and embarrassment that many still associate with a completely natural biological process.

Myths that refuse to disappear

Many respondents reported encountering restrictions and beliefs that continue to shape menstrual experiences across communities. These include being discouraged from participating in religious activities, entering places of worship, touching certain foods, entering kitchens, washing hair, exercising, or engaging in normal daily routines. Other misconceptions suggest that menstruating women should avoid specific foods or that their presence can negatively affect people, objects, or plants around them. While such beliefs have been passed down through generations, medical science has repeatedly found no evidence to support these claims.

Breaking the cycle of silence

The findings highlight a larger social issue: awareness about menstruation has improved, but not enough to eliminate stigma.

Experts argue that meaningful change will require open conversations at home, comprehensive education in schools, and greater public engagement on menstrual health.

As society continues to modernize, the challenge remains clear. Menstruation should be treated not as a taboo subject, but as a normal aspect of health and well-being. Until awareness reaches every household and every young girl is prepared before her first period, the cycle of silence is likely to continue.